The Nigerian Army troops in the conduct of Exercise Still Water III, have apprehended eight cultists in a raid on their camp within Oloibiri oil field, at Otuabagi community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

This is contained in a statement by the director, Army public relations, Brig -Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Nwachukwu mentioned that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, recently inaugurated various exercises across the six geopolitical zones to address the rising insecurity in the months leading up to the end of the year.

He said the troops of 16 Brigade during the exercise, successfully conducted a raid operation on a suspected cultists’ camp in the community and nabbed the suspects.

According to him, the troops also recovered one Beretta pistol, one locally made double-barrel pistol, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, three live cartridges, one Baofeng communication radio, one binocular, two mobile phones, and a substance suspected to be cannabis from the cultists.

“The suspects are currently under custody undergoing further interrogation,” he said.

Mr Nwachukwu also mentioned that the troops of the 4th Brigade, during a similar exercise on October 18, responded to a distress call from a law-abiding citizen who reported a kidnapping incident in Obagie community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

He said the troops promptly swung into action and rescued one Blessing Uwenze who was kidnapped by a criminal gang.

According to him, two members of the kidnap gang were arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.

“Items recovered from the suspects include two Semi Automatic Pump Action guns, 4 live Cartridges, one mobile phone and fetish items.

“The victim, Miss Blessing Uwenze has since been reunited with her family,” he added.

(NAN)